Excellence in Nanomechanical Test Instrumentation

High Temperature Testing

All mechanical properties change as the temperature of the materials elevates. Micro Materials Ltd are the first to offer a hot stage which allows depth sensing nanoindentation tests to be performed at temperature of up to 750°C.

This opens up a vast range of new possibilities in surface and thin-film technology as it allows the measurement and optimisation of mechanical properties at service temperatures rather than relying on the extrapolation of results from room temperature.

Techniques possible at elevated temperatures

NanoTest                                              MicroTest

    Nanoindentation                                Microindentation

    Nano-scratch and wear                       Micro-scratch and wear

    Nano-impact and fatigue                    Micro-impact and fatigue

 

Excellent system stability at elevated temperatures

Due to the unique pendulum system employed by the NanoTest, MML are able to use a localised insulated heating system. This restricts the high temperatures to the indenter and sample area only. The technique means that the stages and electronics remain at room temperature, thus avoiding unwanted expansion/ contraction of the stages as the temperature changes, and retaining our industry leading low thermal drift.

Isothermal ContactTM

Micro Materials are the only manufacturer to offer tip heating as well as heating of the sample. This means that on indentation, there is no heat exchange between the tip and the sample, again avoiding possible sources of error due to sample or tip expansion/ contraction due to fluctuations in temperature.

Further Reading

 

 

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